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B2 noun #3,500 le plus courant 9 min de lecture

特色

tokushoku Top 3,500

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 特色 en 30 secondes

Explication 特色 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use '特色' (tokushoku) often, but you might see it in very simple contexts. Think of it as a 'special point.' For example, if you are looking at a picture of a school and the teacher says 'This school is special because it has a big garden,' that 'special part' is the tokushoku. It is like saying 'a special color.' You can remember it as 'Tokubetsu' (special) + 'Iro' (color). At this stage, focus on the idea that every place or thing has one thing that makes it different from others. You might hear it in a simple introduction of a town: 'This town's tokushoku is delicious apples.' Even though A1 students usually use simpler words like 'suki' (like) or 'ii' (good), knowing that 'tokushoku' means 'the special part' will help you understand posters or simple news headlines. It's a noun, so you use it with 'wa' and 'desu.' For example: 'Tokushoku wa nan desu ka?' (What is the special feature?).

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At the A2 level, you begin to describe things in more detail. '特色' (tokushoku) is useful when you want to talk about your hometown, your school, or a product you like. Instead of just saying 'It is good,' you can say 'The tokushoku is [something].' This makes your Japanese sound more organized. You will often see this word in travel brochures or on signs at tourist spots. For example, 'This temple's tokushoku is the beautiful red leaves.' In A2 grammar, you can use it in sentences like 'A no tokushoku wa B desu.' You might also hear it when people talk about 'meibutsu' (famous local products). If someone asks you, 'What is the tokushoku of your country?' they want to know what makes your country unique compared to others. It is a great word to use in the 'Self-Introduction' part of a Japanese test because it shows you can discuss more than just your hobbies; you can discuss the 'characteristics' of things around you.

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At the B1 level, you are moving into intermediate Japanese where you need to distinguish between similar words. You should start using '特色' (tokushoku) instead of always relying on 'tokuchou' (feature). Use 'tokushoku' when you want to highlight a positive, unique, or defining quality. For example, in a speech about your university, you could say 'The tokushoku of our university is the international atmosphere.' This sounds much more professional than just saying 'feature.' You will also encounter this word frequently in reading passages about Japanese culture or society. B1 learners should practice the pattern 'Tokushoku wo ikasu' (to make use of the characteristics). For instance, 'Let's make a plan that makes use of the tokushoku of this area.' This shows you understand how to apply the word to problem-solving or planning contexts. You will also notice it in job advertisements where companies describe their 'distinctive' work environment. It's a key word for moving from casual conversation to semi-formal communication.

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At the B2 level, '特色' (tokushoku) is a core vocabulary item. You are expected to use it fluently in business settings, academic writing, and formal discussions. At this level, the distinction between 'tokushoku' (unique hallmark) and 'tokuchou' (general trait) becomes critical. You should use 'tokushoku' when discussing branding, competitive advantages, or cultural identity. For example, 'To survive in the market, we must emphasize our company's tokushoku.' You will often see it in the form 'tokushoku-aru' (distinctive) acting as an adjective. You should be comfortable using it in complex sentences, such as 'The biggest tokushoku of this system lies in its ability to process data in real-time.' This level also requires understanding the word in the context of 'community building' (machi-zukuri) and 'educational reform,' where the 'tokushoku' of a region or school is central to the discussion. You should be able to listen to a 5-minute news report on a new technology and identify what the reporter cites as its 'tokushoku.'

At the C1 level, your use of '特色' (tokushoku) should be nuanced and precise. You understand that 'tokushoku' implies a certain 'flavor' or 'essence' that goes beyond mere physical description. You can use it to discuss abstract concepts like the 'tokushoku' of a literary period or the 'tokushoku' of a philosophical movement. In high-level business Japanese, you might use it to discuss 'differentiation strategies' (sabetsuka senryaku). You are also aware of its synonyms like 'mochiaji' (personal touch) or 'dokujisei' (originality) and can choose the most appropriate one for the register. For instance, in a formal essay, you might write about how globalization affects the 'regional tokushoku' of various countries. You should also be able to recognize when 'tokushoku' is being used rhetorically to promote a certain viewpoint. In a C1 level discussion, you might argue that a city's 'tokushoku' is not just in its buildings, but in the lifestyle of its inhabitants. Your ability to collocate 'tokushoku' with verbs like 'uchidasu' (to put forward), 'sonau' (to possess), and 'kengen suru' (to manifest) marks your advanced proficiency.

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At the C2 level, '特色' (tokushoku) is a tool for sophisticated analysis. You use it to dissect the subtle differences in cultural phenomena, corporate identities, and historical trends. You can engage in deep debates about whether the 'tokushoku' of a particular art form is being lost due to modernization. You understand the historical etymology of the kanji and how the concept of 'color' (shoku/iro) in Japanese culture relates to 'character' and 'emotion.' Your usage is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker; you might use it in a keynote speech to describe the 'distinctive hallmarks' of a new era of technology. You can also play with the word's nuances in creative writing or high-level journalism, perhaps using it to describe the 'unique hue' of a person's character in a biography. At this level, you don't just know the word; you understand its weight in the tapestry of Japanese discourse, where 'finding one's tokushoku' is often seen as a life-long goal for both individuals and organizations. You can effortlessly switch between 'tokushoku,' 'tokuyuu,' and 'tokushitsu' to provide the exact semantic shade required for your argument.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

特色 en 30 secondes

Tokushoku refers to a 'distinctive feature' or 'hallmark' that makes something unique.
It is composed of the kanji for 'special' (特) and 'color' (色), implying a unique hue or flavor.
Unlike the general word 'tokuchou,' it is used specifically for positive or defining strengths.
Commonly found in business, tourism, and education to describe unique selling points or identities.

The Japanese word 特色 (とくしょく - tokushoku) is a sophisticated noun that translates to 'distinctive feature,' 'characteristic,' or 'peculiarity.' While it shares some semantic space with the more common word tokuchou (特徴), tokushoku carries a specific nuance of 'uniqueness' or a 'special color' that sets something apart from the crowd. The kanji themselves are revealing: 特 (special/unique) and 色 (color/appearance). Literally, it refers to the 'special color' of an object, organization, or person, suggesting a trait that is not just present, but defining and vibrant.

Marketing and Business: In professional settings, this word is frequently used to describe a company's 'Unique Selling Proposition' (USP). When a business consultant asks about a product's tokushoku, they aren't just asking what it does; they are asking what makes it better or different than every other product on the market. It is about competitive advantage and identity.

この新製品の最大の特色は、消費電力が極めて低いことです。(The greatest feature of this new product is its extremely low power consumption.)

Regional and Cultural Identity: When discussing geography or tourism, tokushoku refers to local specialties (meibutsu) or the unique atmosphere of a town. A city might have a 'historical tokushoku' if it preserves Edo-period architecture, or a 'gastronomic tokushoku' if it is known for a specific type of ramen. It implies a point of pride for the community.

京都の街並みには、他の都市にはない独自の特色があります。(The streets of Kyoto have a unique character not found in other cities.)

Educational Philosophy: Schools in Japan often use this word in their mission statements. A school's tokushoku-aru kyouiku (education with distinctive features) might focus on international exchange, sports excellence, or traditional arts. It is used to attract prospective students by showing what the school offers that others do not.

わが校は、個性を伸ばす教育を特色としています。(Our school features an education that develops individuality.)

この地域の特色を生かした観光プランを立てましょう。(Let's create a tourism plan that makes use of this region's unique characteristics.)

彼の作品は、色彩の使い方が大きな特色となっている。(The use of color is a major characteristic of his work.)

In summary, tokushoku is a word of distinction. It is used when you want to look at a group of similar things and point out why one specific item is special. It is less about physical description and more about the 'essence' or 'selling point' of the subject. Whether you are describing a city, a business, or an artistic style, tokushoku helps you articulate what makes that subject incomparable.

Using 特色 (tokushoku) correctly requires understanding its role as a formal noun. It often functions as the subject of a sentence or the object of verbs that describe highlighting or utilizing strengths. Because it is a B2-level word, it appears frequently in written reports, formal presentations, and analytical essays. Below, we explore the grammatical structures and contexts where this word shines.

Describing Strengths with 'A wa B ga tokushoku da': The most straightforward way to use the word is to identify a specific trait as the 'tokushoku.' This structure is useful for describing products, services, or organizations. It translates to 'The feature of A is B' or 'A is characterized by B.'

このスマートフォンの特色は、カメラの性能が非常に高いことです。(The feature of this smartphone is that the camera performance is extremely high.)

Using 'Tokushoku wo dasu' (To show character): When you want to say that someone or something is demonstrating their unique qualities, use the verb 'dasu' (出す). This is common in creative fields like cooking, design, or performance. It implies that the creator is injecting their own personality or unique style into the work.

料理に自分なりの特色を出したいと思っています。(I want to bring out my own unique character in my cooking.)

Compound Phrases: 'Tokushoku-aru' (Distinctive): By adding 'aru' (to have), you create an adjectival phrase meaning 'distinctive' or 'unique.' This is very common in educational or corporate branding to describe programs or products that stand out.

特色ある教育プログラムを提供しています。(We provide a distinctive educational program.)

地方の特色を活かした町おこしが必要です。(Revitalization of towns utilizing regional characteristics is necessary.)

この雑誌は、独自の特色を打ち出すことで成功しました。(This magazine succeeded by emphasizing its own unique features.)

When writing, remember that tokushoku is a 'big' word. It belongs in contexts where you are analyzing or presenting something. If you are just describing a person's physical appearance (e.g., 'he has blue eyes'), tokushoku is too heavy; use tokuchou instead. Use tokushoku when you want to discuss the 'soul' or 'identity' of the subject.

In daily life, you might not hear 特色 (tokushoku) in a casual conversation about the weather, but it is omnipresent in media, business, and academia. Understanding where it appears will help you grasp its professional weight. It is a word of 'branding' and 'classification.'

News and Documentaries: When a news anchor introduces a story about a new startup or a cultural festival, they often use tokushoku to summarize the 'angle' of the story. For example, 'The tokushoku of this year's festival is the collaboration with local artists.' It helps the audience immediately understand what is new or special about the topic.

今回の選挙の大きな特色は、若者の投票率が上がったことです。(A major feature of this election was the increase in youth voter turnout.)

Job Interviews and Self-Promotion: In Japanese job hunting (shukatsu), candidates are often asked about their 'mochiaji' (strengths) or the tokushoku of their previous experience. Conversely, a candidate might ask an interviewer, 'What is the tokushoku of your company's corporate culture?' using the word to show they are interested in the company's unique identity.

御社のサービスの特色について詳しく教えていただけますか？(Could you tell me more about the unique features of your company's service?)

Travel Guides and Brochures: If you pick up a pamphlet for a museum or a national park, the first section usually lists tokushoku. It might describe the 'geological tokushoku' of a volcano or the 'artistic tokushoku' of a gallery's collection. It serves as a summary of why the place is worth visiting.

この美術館の特色は、現代アートの展示が豊富なことです。(The feature of this museum is its abundant exhibition of contemporary art.)

各地域の特色を反映したお土産が人気です。(Souvenirs that reflect the characteristics of each region are popular.)

このソフトウェアは、使いやすさが最大の特色です。(The greatest feature of this software is its ease of use.)

Essentially, when you hear tokushoku, your brain should switch to 'analysis mode.' The speaker is about to define what makes the subject special. It is a high-frequency word in the JLPT N2 and N1 exams because it is essential for understanding descriptive and argumentative texts.

While 特色 (tokushoku) is a useful word, English speakers often confuse it with other 'characteristic' words. The most common pitfall is using it when the more general tokuchou (特徴) is required. Let's break down these nuances to ensure your Japanese sounds natural and precise.

Mistake 1: Using 'Tokushoku' for Physical Descriptions: If you are describing a person's appearance to the police or a friend, do not use tokushoku. Tokushoku is for abstract qualities or 'selling points.' For physical traits like 'wearing a red hat' or 'having a scar,' always use tokuchou.

Incorrect: 犯人の特色は、背が高いことです。(The criminal's 'selling point' is that he is tall.)
Correct: 犯人の特徴は、背が高いことです。(The criminal's characteristic is that he is tall.)

Mistake 2: Using 'Tokushoku' for Negative Traits: Tokushoku has a positive or at least 'noteworthy' connotation. If you are describing a flaw or a neutral biological trait, tokushoku sounds very strange. For example, the symptoms of a cold are tokuchou, not tokushoku.

Incorrect: この病気の特色は、熱が出ることです。
Correct: この病気の特徴は、熱が出ることです。

Mistake 3: Confusion with 'Kosei' (Individuality): While tokushoku and kosei are related, kosei is almost always applied to people or creative works to mean 'personality' or 'individuality.' Tokushoku is broader and more formal, often applied to systems, regions, or products. You wouldn't say a person has a 'tokushoku' unless you were analyzing them like a subject in a study.

子供たちの個性を大切にする。(Value the children's individuality.)
※ Tokushoku would sound too clinical here.

このレストランの特色は、自家製の野菜を使っていることです。(The feature of this restaurant is using homegrown vegetables.)

日本文化の特色の一つは、四季の変化を楽しむことです。(One of the characteristics of Japanese culture is enjoying the change of the four seasons.)

By avoiding these common errors, you will demonstrate a high level of linguistic sensitivity. Remember: tokushoku is for what makes something 'stand out' (the 'special color'), not just what it 'looks like.'

Japanese has many words for 'characteristic.' Choosing the right one depends on whether you are talking about a person, a product, a natural law, or a unique talent. Here is a comparison of 特色 (tokushoku) with its closest synonyms.

特色 (Tokushoku) vs. 特徴 (Tokuchou): Tokuchou is the most general term. It refers to any noticeable trait, good or bad, physical or abstract. Tokushoku is a subset of tokuchou—it specifically refers to the unique or superior features that define something's identity. If tokuchou is 'a feature,' tokushoku is 'a hallmark.'

特色 (Tokushoku) vs. 個性 (Kosei): Kosei means 'individuality' or 'personality.' It is almost always used for people or artistic expressions. Tokushoku is more objective and formal, used for organizations, products, and geographical regions. You have kosei; a business plan has tokushoku.

特色 (Tokushoku) vs. 持ち味 (Mochiaji): Mochiaji literally means 'the flavor one carries.' It is a more casual, idiomatic way to say 'one's unique strength' or 'personal touch.' While tokushoku is used in a report, mochiaji might be used by a coach or a chef to describe someone's natural talent.

彼はピッチャーとしての持ち味を存分に発揮した。(He fully demonstrated his unique strengths as a pitcher.)

この製品の独自性をアピールする。(Promote the uniqueness/originality of this product.)

それはこの地方特有の習慣です。(That is a custom unique to this region.)

By mastering these distinctions, you can choose the word that fits the register and the subject perfectly. For most business and formal descriptive writing, tokushoku is your best friend for highlighting what makes something special.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The character for 'Color' (色) in Japanese is often used to mean 'personality' or 'sensuality.' When you talk about someone's 'color,' you are often talking about their vibe or character.

Guide de prononciation

UK /tɒk.ʃɒ.ku/

US /toʊ.ku.ʃoʊ.ku/

In Tokyo Japanese (Heiban style), it often starts low and stays high, or has a slight drop at the end. To-KU-SHO-KU.

Rime avec

Gokushoku (Rich colors) Honshoku (One's real profession) Saishoku (Coloring) Danshoku (Warm colors) Kanshoku (Cold colors) Ishoku (Unique/Different) Keishoku (Scenery) Shuushoku (Decoration)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'shoku' as 'shock-u'. It should be 'sho' as in 'show'.
Over-emphasizing the 'u' at the end. In natural speech, it is often whispered.
Confusing the pitch with 'Tokushuu' (Special feature/edition).
Confusing the pitch with 'Tokushun' (Special spring).
Misreading 'Iro' as 'Shoku' in other contexts, though here 'Shoku' is correct.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 4/5

The kanji are common but require N3/N2 knowledge to read correctly as 'Tokushoku'.

Écriture 4/5

Writing 'Shoku' (色) is easy, but 'Toku' (特) has many strokes and is easily confused with 'Ji' (持).

Expression orale 3/5

Easy to pronounce, but requires practice to use naturally instead of 'Tokuchou'.

Écoute 3/5

Clear sound, but must be distinguished from 'Tokushuu' in fast speech.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

特徴特別色々景色特売

Apprends ensuite

特質独自性個性的差別化持ち味

Avancé

顕著際立つ形容しがたい普遍的固有

Grammaire à connaître

Noun + の特色は + [Sentence] + ことだ

この店の特色は、安くて美味しいことだ。

特色のある + Noun

特色のあるデザインの服。

特色を生かして + Verb

特色を生かして街を元気にする。

特色を + Verb (dasu, uchidasu, ikasu)

自分の特色を出す。

AとBの特色を比較する

二つのシステムの特色を比較する。

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Exemples par niveau

この町の特色は公園です。

The feature of this town is the park.

Noun + は + Noun + です。

私の学校の特色は大きいです。

The feature of my school is that it is big.

Simple description of a feature.

このお菓子の特色は何ですか。

What is the special feature of this snack?

Asking a question with 'nan desu ka'.

特色は青い色です。

The characteristic is the blue color.

Linking a feature to a specific color.

このカメラの特色は安さです。

The feature of this camera is its cheapness.

Using a noun form of an adjective (yasusa).

日本の特色は山が多いことです。

A feature of Japan is that there are many mountains.

Using 'koto' to turn a sentence into a noun phrase.

その服の特色はきれいです。

The feature of those clothes is they are pretty.

Simple adjective predicate.

特色を教えてください。

Please tell me the characteristics.

Using 'oshiete kudasai' (please tell me).

このスマホの特色は、バッテリーが長いことです。

The feature of this smartphone is that the battery lasts a long time.

A no tokushoku wa B koto desu.

京都の特色は、古いお寺がたくさんあることです。

The characteristic of Kyoto is that there are many old temples.

Describing a city's unique point.

このレストランの特色は、新鮮な魚です。

The specialty of this restaurant is fresh fish.

Using 'tokushoku' to mean 'specialty'.

あなたの国の特色は何ですか？

What is the unique feature of your country?

Using 'anata no kuni' (your country).

このアプリの特色は、使い方が簡単なことです。

The feature of this app is that the usage is simple.

Describing ease of use.

冬の北海道の特色は、雪まつりです。

The feature of Hokkaido in winter is the snow festival.

Time/Place + no tokushoku.

この服は、デザインに特色があります。

These clothes have a unique feature in their design.

Ni tokushoku ga aru (has a feature in...).

駅の近くに、特色のあるお店があります。

There is a unique shop near the station.

Tokushoku no aru (distinctive).

この地方の特色を生かしたイベントを開催します。

We will hold an event that makes use of this region's characteristics.

Tokushoku wo ikasu (make use of features).

わが社の製品は、他社にはない特色を持っています。

Our company's products have features that others don't.

Tokushoku wo motsu (to possess features).

彼の小説の特色は、心理描写が細かいことです。

The characteristic of his novels is the detailed psychological description.

Describing an artistic style.

この学校は、英語教育に特色があります。

This school has a specialty in English education.

Focusing on a specific field of excellence.

自分なりの特色を出せるように頑張ります。

I will do my best to bring out my own unique character.

Tokushoku wo dasu (to bring out character).

江戸時代の文化には、独自の特色が見られます。

Unique characteristics can be seen in the culture of the Edo period.

Tokushoku ga mirareru (features can be seen).

このプランの特色について、詳しく説明してください。

Please explain the features of this plan in detail.

Asking for a detailed explanation.

特色のある家を建てたいと考えています。

I am thinking of building a house with a unique character.

Tokushoku no aru + Noun.

地域の特色を打ち出した観光戦略が必要です。

A tourism strategy that emphasizes regional characteristics is necessary.

Tokushoku wo uchidasu (to put forward/emphasize).

この素材の最大の特色は、熱に強いことです。

The greatest feature of this material is its heat resistance.

Describing technical properties.

各大学がそれぞれの特色を競い合っています。

Each university is competing based on its respective characteristics.

Competitive context.

作品の特色がよく表れている一節です。

This is a passage where the characteristics of the work are well expressed.

Tokushoku ga arawareru (features are expressed).

その政党は、福祉政策を特色としています。

That political party features welfare policy as its hallmark.

Tokushoku to shite iru (to have as a feature).

歴史的な背景が、この街の特色を形作っています。

The historical background shapes the character of this town.

Tokushoku wo katachizukuru (to shape characteristics).

単なる機能性だけでなく、デザインの特色も重視すべきだ。

We should emphasize not just functionality, but also design characteristics.

Juushi subeki (should emphasize).

この論文は、分析手法に大きな特色がある。

This paper has a major distinctive feature in its analytical method.

Academic context.

グローバル化の中で、いかにして文化的な特色を維持するかが課題だ。

The challenge is how to maintain cultural characteristics amidst globalization.

Formal sociological discussion.

その作家の文体には、他の追随を許さない特色がある。

The author's writing style has characteristics that allow no followers (is incomparable).

Hoka no tsuizui wo yurusanai (unmatched/incomparable).

企業の特色を鮮明に打ち出すブランディング戦略が必要だ。

A branding strategy that clearly highlights the company's characteristics is necessary.

Senmei ni uchidasu (to highlight vividly).

日本のアニメーションは、世界的に見ても独自の特色を備えている。

Japanese animation possesses unique characteristics even from a global perspective.

Tokushoku wo sonaete iru (to possess features).

都市開発において、その土地本来の特色を損なわないことが重要だ。

In urban development, it is important not to damage the original character of the land.

Tokushoku wo sokonawanai (not to damage).

この制度は、多様なニーズに応えるという特色を持っている。

This system has the characteristic of responding to diverse needs.

Formal systemic description.

彼の演奏は、繊細な表現力が最大の特色と言えるだろう。

It can be said that the greatest feature of his performance is his delicate expressive power.

Tokushoku to ieru darou (can probably be said to be...).

歴史の変遷とともに、その建築様式の特色も変化してきた。

Along with the transitions of history, the characteristics of that architectural style have also changed.

Rekishi no hensen (historical transitions).

固有の文化的な特色が希薄化していく現代社会において、アイデンティティの再定義が求められている。

In modern society where unique cultural characteristics are becoming diluted, a redefinition of identity is required.

Kihakuka (dilution/thinning out).

本研究の特色は、従来の見落とされてきた資料に光を当てた点に集約される。

The distinctive feature of this study is summarized in the point that it shed light on previously overlooked materials.

Ten ni shuuyaku sareru (summarized in the point that...).

その思想体系は、東洋と西洋の知を融合させた点に比類なき特色を見出せる。

In that system of thought, an incomparable characteristic can be found in the fusion of Eastern and Western knowledge.

Hirui-naki (incomparable/peerless).

市場の飽和状態を打破するためには、製品の特色を極限まで尖らせる必要がある。

In order to break through market saturation, it is necessary to sharpen the product's characteristics to the extreme.

Kyokugen made togaraseru (to sharpen/hone to the limit).

伝統芸能の特色を継承しつつ、現代的な解釈を加える試みがなされている。

Attempts are being made to add modern interpretations while inheriting the characteristics of traditional performing arts.

Keishou shi-tsutsu (while inheriting).

言語の特色はその国民の思考様式を如実に反映している。

The characteristics of a language vividly reflect the thought patterns of its people.

Nyojitsu ni han'ei suru (vividly reflect).

法制度の特色を比較検討することで、各国の社会構造の違いが浮き彫りになる。

By comparing and examining the characteristics of legal systems, the differences in social structures of each country become clear.

Ukibori ni naru (to become distinct/stand out).

生命の特色である自己複製機能の神秘に、科学はどこまで迫れるのだろうか。

How far can science approach the mystery of the self-replication function, which is a characteristic of life?

Seimei no tokushoku (characteristic of life).

Synonymes

特徴特質特性持ち味個性

Antonymes

共通点平凡

Collocations courantes

特色を出す

特色を生かす

特色を打ち出す

特色がある

特色に欠ける

地域的な特色

独自の特色

大きな特色

特色を備える

特色を失う

Phrases Courantes

特色ある教育

— Education with distinctive features. Often used in school brochures.

特色ある教育で生徒を集める。

特色豊かな

— Rich in characteristics. Used to describe vibrant cultures or places.

特色豊かな文化が残っている。

特色を際立たせる

— To make features stand out vividly.

照明で特色を際立たせる。

特色を損なう

— To damage or diminish the unique qualities.

開発が景観の特色を損なう。

特色を反映する

— To reflect the characteristics of something.

地元の特色を反映した料理。

特色を競う

— To compete based on unique features.

各メーカーが特色を競っている。

特色を見出す

— To find or identify a unique feature.

新しい素材に特色を見出す。

特色を強調する

— To emphasize the distinctive points.

広告で特色を強調する。

特色を把握する

— To grasp or understand the features.

市場の特色を把握する。

特色をアピールする

— To promote or appeal using unique features.

自分の特色をアピールする。

Souvent confondu avec

特色 vs 特徴 (Tokuchou)

Tokuchou is for any trait (physical, neutral, or negative). Tokushoku is for unique hallmarks/strengths.

特色 vs 特殊 (Tokushu)

Tokushu is an adjective meaning 'special' or 'extraordinary.' Tokushoku is a noun meaning 'distinctive feature.'

特色 vs 特選 (Tokusen)

Tokusen means 'specially selected.' It is an action or a label, not a characteristic.

Expressions idiomatiques

"色を出す"

— To show one's true colors or personality. Related to the 'shoku' in tokushoku.

彼はようやく自分の色を出してきた。

Informal

"持ち味を生かす"

— To make the most of one's natural talents.

選手の持ち味を生かした作戦。

Neutral

"一味違う"

— To be slightly different/better in flavor or style. Used for unique quality.

この店のカレーは一味違う。

Informal

"異彩を放つ"

— To stand out remarkably; to shine with a different brilliance.

彼はグループの中で異彩を放っている。

Formal

"看板にする"

— To use something as a main attraction or hallmark.

安さを看板にしている店。

Informal

"目玉にする"

— To make something the 'centerpiece' or main feature.

イベントの目玉にする商品。

Informal

"十八番 (Ohako)"

— One's specialty or forte.

それは彼の十八番だ。

Neutral

"看板メニュー"

— A signature dish (the 'tokushoku' of a restaurant).

これが当店の看板メニューです。

Neutral

"唯一無二"

— One and only; unique and peerless.

唯一無二の特色を持つ。

Formal

"百人百様"

— A hundred people, a hundred ways. Everyone has their own tokushoku.

考え方は百人百様だ。

Literary

Facile à confondre

特色 vs 特徴

Both translate to 'feature' or 'characteristic.'

Tokuchou is a general observation (e.g., 'he has a big nose'). Tokushoku is a defining unique quality (e.g., 'the unique charm of this city').

犯人の特徴 (Criminal's features) vs. この街の特色 (This town's unique character).

特色 vs 個性

Both involve being unique.

Kosei is 'personality' or 'individuality' (mostly for people). Tokushoku is 'distinctive feature' (mostly for things/places).

彼の個性 (His personality) vs. その製品の特色 (That product's feature).

特色 vs 特質

Both are formal words for traits.

Tokushitsu refers to innate, often scientific properties (e.g., the properties of water). Tokushoku refers to visible or defining hallmarks.

物質の特質 (Properties of matter) vs. 文学の特色 (Characteristics of literature).

特色 vs 特典

Similar kanji (特).

Tokuten means 'privilege' or 'bonus' (e.g., a free gift with purchase). Tokushoku is a trait.

会員の特典 (Member benefits) vs. サービスの特色 (Service features).

特色 vs 特有

Both imply uniqueness.

Tokuyuu is an adjective/noun meaning 'peculiar to' a specific group. Tokushoku is the feature itself.

人間特有の能力 (Ability unique to humans) vs. この絵の特色 (The feature of this painting).

Structures de phrases

Aの特色はBです。

このカメラの特色は安さです。

特色のあるAをVerb。

特色のある教育を行っています。

特色を生かしてVerb。

地域の特色を生かしてイベントをします。

Aを特色としている。

この学校は英語教育を特色としている。

特色を打ち出す。

独自の特色を打ち出す必要がある。

特色が顕著に表れている。

時代の特色が顕著に表れている。

特色を損なうことなく。

特色を損なうことなく開発を進める。

特色が希薄化する。

地域の特色が希薄化している。

Famille de mots

Noms

特色 (Tokushoku)

特徴 (Tokuchou)

特質 (Tokushitsu)

特典 (Tokuten - benefit)

Verbes

特徴づける (Tokuchou-zukeru - to characterize)

Adjectifs

特徴的な (Tokuchou-teki na - characteristic)

特殊な (Tokushu na - special/unique)

Apparenté

特売 (Tokubai)

特急 (Tokkyuu)

独特 (Dokutoku)

特別 (Tokubetsu)

特定 (Tokutei)

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

High in written Japanese and formal speeches; medium in daily casual conversation.

Erreurs courantes

Using '特色' for a person's height. → 特徴 (Tokuchou)
Physical traits are 'tokuchou.' 'Tokushoku' is for abstract unique qualities.
Using '特色' for symptoms of a cold. → 特徴 (Tokuchou)
Negative or biological traits are 'tokuchou.'
Saying '特色な' instead of '特色のある'. → 特色のある / 特徴的な
'Tokushoku' is a noun and doesn't take 'na' directly. Use 'no aru' or switch to the adjective form of 'tokuchou.'
Confusing '特色' with '特殊' (Tokushu). → 特色 (Noun) / 特殊 (Adjective)
'Tokushu' means 'special/extraordinary' (an adjective). 'Tokushoku' is the 'feature' (a noun).
Using '特色' to mean 'bonus gift'. → 特典 (Tokuten)
'Tokuten' is a privilege or bonus. 'Tokushoku' is a characteristic.

Astuces

Reports and Essays

When writing a university application or a business report, use '特色' to describe the strengths of your target or yourself. It sounds much more objective and professional than 'ii tokoro'.

Travel Talk

When visiting a new city in Japan, ask a local: 'Kono machi no tokushoku wa nan desu ka?' It's a great way to start a conversation about local food and culture.

The 'Special Color' Rule

Always remember the kanji: Special + Color. If a feature gives something its 'special color,' use '特色'.

Tokushoku vs. Tokuchou

If you can replace it with 'hallmark,' use '特色'. If you can replace it with 'trait,' use '特徴'.

Compound Power

Learn '特色ある' (tokushoku-aru) as a single unit. It's a very common way to say 'distinctive' before a noun.

Ad Narrations

Pay attention to TV commercials. They often use '特色' to explain why their product is better than the competition.

Kanji Precision

Be careful when writing '特色'. The '色' part should not be confused with '巴' or other similar shapes.

Regional Pride

Understand that 'Tokushoku' is a word of pride in Japan. It's used to celebrate diversity between different regions.

Verb Pairing

Master the phrase 'Tokushoku wo ikasu'. It's a high-level way to say 'to leverage one's strengths'.

JLPT Contexts

In JLPT reading, '特色' often appears in the first paragraph of a descriptive text to set the stage.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'Special' (特) 'Color' (色). If everything is gray and one thing is neon pink, that pink is its 'Tokushoku'!

Association visuelle

Imagine a box of white crayons with one single 'Special Color' (gold) in the middle. That gold crayon is the 'Tokushoku' of the box.

Word Web

Unique Hallmark Specialty Identity Color Trait Feature Brand

Défi

Try to identify one 'Tokushoku' for every room in your house. For example: 'The tokushoku of the kitchen is the big window.'

Origine du mot

Composed of two Chinese-derived characters (Kanjigo). '特' (Toku) originally meant a sacrificial bull that stood out from the herd, hence 'special.' '色' (Shoku/Iro) originally meant facial expression or color.

Sens originel : A 'special appearance' or 'special color' that distinguishes one from others.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Contexte culturel

None. It is a very neutral and professional word.

In English, we often use 'Unique Selling Point' (USP) in business, which maps perfectly to 'Tokushoku.' In casual settings, we might say 'What's the hook?'

The 'Tokushoku' of Studio Ghibli films (hand-drawn style, nature themes). Japanese government's 'Machi-hito-shigoto' initiative to revitalize regional 'Tokushoku'. The 'Tokushoku' of Japanese cuisine (Washoku) being recognized by UNESCO.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Product Marketing

特色をアピールする
最大の特色
他社との差別化
新機能の特色

Tourism/Travel

地域の特色
郷土の特色
特色ある景観
文化的な特色

Education/Schools

教育の特色
特色ある校風
独自のカリキュラム
特色入試

Art/Literature

作品の特色
作風の特色
色彩の特色
表現の特色

Sociology/History

時代の特色
民族の特色
社会的な特色
歴史的特色

Amorces de conversation

"あなたの故郷の特色は何ですか？ (What is the unique feature of your hometown?)"

"このアプリの最大の特色は何だと思いますか？ (What do you think is the biggest feature of this app?)"

"日本の文化の中で、特に特色があると思うものは何ですか？ (In Japanese culture, what do you think is particularly unique?)"

"御社のサービスの特色を教えていただけますか？ (Could you tell me the unique features of your company's service?)"

"このレストランの特色は、どんな料理ですか？ (What kind of food is the specialty of this restaurant?)"

Sujets d'écriture

自分自身の『特色』について書いてみてください。 (Write about your own 'unique characteristics.')

最近買った製品の特色を、他社製品と比較して説明してください。 (Explain the features of a product you recently bought, comparing it to other companies' products.)

あなたが住んでいる街の特色を三つ挙げてください。 (List three unique features of the town where you live.)

将来、どのような特色のある人間になりたいですか？ (What kind of person with unique characteristics do you want to become in the future?)

日本の伝統芸能の特色について、あなたの意見を述べてください。 (State your opinion on the characteristics of traditional Japanese performing arts.)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Generally, no. For physical features like eye color or height, use '特徴' (tokuchou). '特色' is used for abstract qualities, like a person's unique talent or the 'color' of their personality in a professional analysis.

It is almost always neutral or positive. It highlights a 'special' quality. You would not use it to describe the symptoms of a disease or a character flaw; '特徴' is better for those.

'売り' (uri) is a casual business term meaning 'selling point.' '特色' is the formal equivalent. You would say 'uri' to a coworker but 'tokushoku' in a formal presentation to a client.

While grammatically possible, '特徴的な' (tokuchou-teki na) is much more common. Usually, '特色' is used as a noun or in the phrase '特色のある'.

Yes, it is a common word in the N2 and N1 levels, particularly in reading comprehension passages about culture and society.

You can say '最大の特色' (saidai no tokushoku) or '独自の売り' (dokuji no uri).

In very specific technical contexts like printing (spot colors), it can mean a specially mixed ink, but 99% of the time it means 'characteristic.'

'出す' (dasu - to show), '生かす' (ikasu - to make use of), and '打ち出す' (uchidasu - to emphasize) are the three most common.

Yes, if you are discussing the unique biological features of a species in a scientific or educational context. 'The tokushoku of a kangaroo is its pouch.'

Very often. Historians use it to describe the 'hallmarks' of an era, such as 'The tokushoku of the Meiji era was rapid modernization.'

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